Traffic pattern simulator

ABSTRACT

A modular simulator permitting study of traffic flow patterns under various traffic control conditions. Street intersection simulator modules are provided, each including on its front panel or face a plurality of street intersections with traffic control indicators for each traffic phase at each intersection. A plurality of timing circuitry modules generate various timing signals, and a plurality of switching modules permit selection of the particular timing signals provided to each traffic control indicator. The street intersection simulator modules are mounted on a frame for easy viewing. The modular construction permits the provision of as large a simulator as desired.

United States Patent 1191 [111 3,739,535 Matysek June 12, 1973 TRAFFIC PATTERN SIMULATOR [76] Inventor: John J. Matysek, PO. Box 5566,

Crozet Va. 22903 Attorney-Morton, Bernard, Brown, Roberts &

l Filed: Mar. 19,1971 Suther and 1] Appl. No.: 126,168 ABSTRACT Related US Application Data A ar Simulator permitting study of name flow Continuation-impart of 863,309, patterns under various traffic control conditions, Street 1969 Pat. No 3,605,084, which is a intersection simulator modules are provided, each ingg i a g zj 2: 2 May cluding on its front panel or face a plurality of street ina tersections with traffic control indicators for each traffic phase at each intersection. A plurality of timing cir- [52] U.S. Cl. 340/40, 340/225, 35/7,

3 5/1 4 cuitry modules generate various tim ng signals, and a Int Cl g 1/00 plurality of SwltChlIlg modules permit selection of the [58] Fie'ld 35/7 particular timing signals provided to each traffic con- 35/14 trol indicator. The street intersection simulator modules are mounted on a frame for easy viewing. The 5 6] References Cited modular construction permits the provision of as large UNITED STATES PATENTS a simulator as desired. 2,438,453 3/1948 Powell 340/225 x 12 Claims 8 Drawing Figures 50 TIMING CIRCUITRY OR COMPUTER SWITCHING CIRCUITRY Patented June 12, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 2

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INVENTOR JOHN J. MATYSEK savanna-om VERT CAI. GREEN T M NG BY 7M, mm 20kt sum l 09 O8 O7 0 O5 04 O3 O2 2 3 4 5 6 789 mm H W B MB Eflmmfi W ATTORNEYS Patented June 1.2, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 TRAFFIC PATTERN SIMULATOR This application is a continuation-in-part of U. S. Pat. application Ser. No. 863,309 filed Oct. 2, 1969 by John J. Matysek which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U. S. Pat. application Ser. No. 826,212 filed May 20, 1969 by John J. Matysek now US. Pat. No. 3,605,084 and No. 3,644,884, respectively.

The present invention pertains to a traffic pattern simulator. More particularly, the present invention pertains to apparatus for simulating the layout of streets over a large area and including traffic control means such as red, yellow, and green traffic lights to permit study of traffic patterns under varying traffic control conditions.

The increasing number of motor vehicles in use, particularly in urban areas, results in increasingly congested traffic conditions. Traffic control engineers are continuously seeking ways of improving traffic flow, particularly during periods of peak traffic congestion or rush hours. New traffic patterns can be devised, for example by utilizing mathematical models, but it is extremely difficult to check every aspect of a complex traffic pattern without actually implementing it and observing traffic flow. On the other hand, it is undesirable to utilize on an actual street system an untested traffic control pattern since, if a problem exists in the traffic control pattern, it will result in extreme congestion and unsafe conditions. It is accordingly desirable to have apparatus for implementing traffic control patterns under simulated conditions so that the proper working of the traffic control pattern can be verified before the pattern is implemented on an actual street system.

The present invention is an apparatus for simulating traffic control patterns to permit the effect of such patterns on traffic flow to be determined. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a simulated street layout having a plurality of intersections and including traffic control indicators, a plurality of traffic timing signal generators, and switching means permitting selection of the particular timing signal generator to which each indicator is connected, thereby permitting traffic control patterns to be varied widely. The entire apparatus is provided in modular form permitting the assembly of as large a simulated traffic control zone as desired.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts bear like reference numerals. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts, partially in block form and partially in perspective, a traffic flow simulator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the street intersection simulator of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the street intersection simulator of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one embodiment of a modular switching circuit layout suitable for use in the present invention; and

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict a preferred embodiment of timing and switching circuitry suitable for use in the present invention.

Street intersection simulator l0, depicted in FIG. 1, is mounted upon frame 12 which supports street intersection simulator 10 for easy viewing. Thus, as illustratively depicted in FIG. 1, frame 12 supports street intersection simulator 10 in a substantially vertical plane and at a height such that it can readily be viewed from a distance, for example, at a height such that the bottom edge of street intersection simulator 10 is in the order of 3 feet above the floor.

As seen in FIG. 2, street intersection simulator 10 is made up of a plurality of substantially identical modules 14. Each module 14 has shown upon its front panel or face a plurality of substantially vertical streets and a plurality of substantially horizontal streets. Thus, in the illustrative example of FIG. 2, each module 14 includes five vertical streets and I0 horizontal streets, providing a total of 50 intersections per module 14. In addition, diagonal streets can be provided as illustrated in FIG. 2, and these may be identical for each module 14 or, if preferred, minor variations can exist on the diagonal streets between the various modules. Likewise, of course, it is possible to have minor variations between the various modules with respect to the vertical or the horizontal streets, but for ease of module construction identical modules are preferred. In FIG. 2, street intersection simulator l0 illustratively depicts four modules 14, thereby providing 20 vertical streets and 10 horizontal streets to give a total of 200 intersections, some of which also include intersecting diagonal streets.

At each intersection of street intersection simulator 10 traffic control indicators are provided, for example, in the form of small red, yellow, and green lights. By way of examples, these may be in the form of red, yellow, and green light emitting diodes or light bulbs, or they may be identical white bulbs within red, yellow, and green enclosures. FIG. 3 illustrates a typical intersection 16 of a first street 17 and a second street 19. Indicators 18G, l8Y, and 18R are provided for control of simulated traffic movement on street 17 to give right-of-way or green, clearance or yellow, and stop or red traffic control indications, respectively. Likewise, indicators 20G, 20Y and 20R provide green, yellow, and red traffic control indications for control of simulated traffic on street 19. Intersection 22 depicted in FIG. 3 illustrates a typical intersection of first street 17, a street 23 at right angles with street 17, and a diagonal street 25. At intersection 22 indicators 24G, 24Y, and 24R provide green, yellow, and red traffic control indications for street 17; indicators 26G, 26Y, and 26R provide green, yellow, and red traffic control indications for street 23; and indicators 28G, 28Y, and 28R provide green, yellow, and red traffic control indications for street 25. At those intersections including two diagonal streets, an additional set of traffic control indicators is provided. The traffic control indicators are mounted by suitable means on the front surface. of the module 14, and the necessary electrical terminals are accessible at the rear of module 14.

As depicted in FIG. 1, timing circuitry 30 is coupled by switching circuitry 32 to street intersection simulator 10. Thus, each indicator on simulator 10 is provided with the necessary energization from timing circuitry 30 in accordance with the settings within switching circuitry 32 which permits selection of the particular timing output from circuitry 30 that is provided to each indicator on street intersection simulator 10.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustratively depict a first embodiment of switching circuitry 32 suitable for use in the present invention. As seen in FIG. 4, this embodiment includes a plurality of switching modules 34, preferably laid out in rows with one row corresponding with vertical street green traffic intervals, one row with vertical street yellow, one row with vertical street red, one row with horizontal street green, one row with horizontal street yellow and one row with horizontal street red. FIG. depicts a typical switching module 34. As seen there, the switching module 34 has slide switches 36 each of which is capable of moving to any of 20 positions. A slide switch 36 is uniquely associated with each traffic control indicator on street intersection simulator 10. Thus, where street intersection simulator 10 includes 200 intersections, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, l20 switching modules 34 are utilized to provide 1200 slide switches 34. Of these 120 switching modules 34, 20 are associated with vertical street green, 20 with vertical street yellow, 20 with vertical street red, 20 with horizontal street green, 20 with horizontal street yellow, and 20 with horizontal street red, considering for the purpose of this description the streets on street intersection simulator 10 to be arranged vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.

The layout of switching circuitry 32 illustratively depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 permits the utilization of one switching module 34 in association with each vertical street on street intersection simulator 10 for each green interval, one switching module 34 in association with each vertical street for each yellow interval, and one switching module 34 in association with each vertical street for each red interval. Thus, the illustrative switching module 34 depicted in FIG. 5 is associated with vertical street green intervals for vertical street 1, as indicated by the numeral 1 adjacent the legend V at the bottom of the module, and the 10 switches 36 on that module 34 are associated with horizontal streets l-l0, respectively, as indicated by the numerals l-10 corresponding to the switches 36 and adjacent the legend H at the bottom of the nodule. The 20 positions of each switch 36 correspond to 20 different cycle initiation times that can be provided for the associated traffic control indicators. The setting of the switch 36 associated with horizontal street 1 on the module 34 associated with vertical street 1 for vertical street green intervals determines the time at which each green interval is initiated for simulated traffic flow on vertical street 1 at the intersection of that vertical street and horizontal street 1. In like manner, the time of initiation of each green, each yellow interval, and each red interval for each direction of simulated traffic flow at each intersection on street intersection simulator 10 is determined by the setting of an associated switch on switching circuitry 32. Thus, if for example it is desired to change the time of initiation of the yellow interval on the horizontal street at the intersection of vertical street 17 and horizontal street 4, the switch 36 associated with horizontal street 4 on the module 34 associated with the timing of horizontal street yellow intervals for vertical street 17 is adjusted to change the timing output from timing circuitry 30 which is provided to the horizontal street yellow indicator at that intersection. The switching modules 34 associated with the timing of a particular interval for each street direction can be aligned horizontally with the six modules associated with each vertical street aligned vertically, as depicted in FIG. 4.

The position of the switch 36 determines the time of initiation and the duration of the associated interval. If it is desired to utilize street intersection simulator 10 as a traffic engineering teaching aid, the red or stop interval for each traffic phase or direction at each intersection can be obtained during the green and yellow intervals of the conflicting traffic phase at that particular intersection, with each green indication terminated only by the energization of the yellow indication for that traffic phase at that intersection. As a result the placement of the switches 36 in a manner that would cause conflicting right-of-way indications would result in the energization of every red and green indicator at that intersection, showing the student that an improper situation exists. Additional switching models 34 are provided as required for the intersections of diagonal streets on street intersection simulator 10.

The switch position 1 for each switch 36 associated with vertical street green interval timing is connected to the same output from timing circuitry 30. In like manner every switch in each of the other 119 horizon tal rows of switch positions is connected to an associated timing signal output from timing circuitry 30. Thus, timing circuitry 30 is capable of supplying l20 distinct timing signal outputs. The circuitry 30 might comprise any suitable timing generator such as a digital clock and 120 digital switches to provide a timing signal to the 20 rows of vertical street green timing switches, the 20 rows of vertical street yellow timing switches, the 20 rows of vertical street red timing switches, the 20 rows of horizontal street green timing switches, the 20 rows of horizontal street yellow timing switches, and 20 rows of horizontal street red timing switches within switching circuitry 32.

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 provide a detailed illustration of a preferred embodiment of circuitry suitable for use as timing circuitry 30 and switching circuitry 32 in accordance with the present invention. As seen in FIG. 6, 60 hertz excitation is applied by line 38 to shaping and dividing circuit 40 which provides a 1 pulse per second signal to dividing circuit 42. Circuit 42 generates 10 output signals, one in turn at 1 second intervals on each of 10 output lines 44. Each output line 44 is thus energized in turn, and the energized output line changes with each pulse from shaping and dividing circuit 40. These outputs from circuit 42 accordingly represent 1 second intervals from an arbitrary time ZERO to a time 9 seconds after time ZERO. The nine output line from dividing circuit 42 is connected as an input to dividing circuit 46 which can be identical to circuit 42. Circuit 46 thus provides ten output signals, one in turn at ten second intervals on each of 10 output lines 48, and the energized output line 48 changes with each pulse on the nine output line 44 from dividing circuit 42. The outputs from circuit 46 therefore represent 10 second intervals from time ZERO to seconds after time ZERO. The nine output line 48 from dividing circuit 46 is connected as an input to dividing circuit 50 which likewise can be identical with dividing circuits 42 and 46. Circuit 50 provides hundreds output time signals in turn at second intervals on its 10 output lines 52 with the energized output line 52 changing with each pulse on the nine output line 48 from dividing circuit 46. These outputs from circuit 50 thus represent 100 second intervals from time ZERO to a time 900 seconds after time ZERO. By proper selection of output line combinations from dividing circuits 42, 46, and 50,

it is thus possible to obtain time signal indications at any time from time ZERO to 999 seconds after time ZERO. If a greater time interval is desired, then, of course, another dividing circuit could be added to the chain in FIG. 6.

Eighty time selection circuits are provided to convert the time signal indications from dividing circuits 42, 46, and 50 to traffic interval initiation pulses. Each time selection circuit includes a first lO-position switch 54 having its ten fixed contacts connected respectively to the output lines 44 from dividing circuit 42, a second lO-position switch 56 having its ten fixed contacts connected to the 10 output lines 48 from dividing circuit 46, and a third lO-position switch 58 having its 10 fixed contacts connected to 10 output lines 52 from dividing circuit 50. Switches 54, 56, and 58 each have their moving contact connected as an input to AND gate 60. As a consequence, each gate 60 provides on its output line 62 a one second output pulse initiated at a time after time ZERO determined by the setting of the associated switches 54, 56, and 58. In FIG. 6 the number of a particular one of the eighty time selection circuits is indicated after a decimal point following the component reference numerals. Thus, switch 56.1 is lO-position switch 56 in the first time selection circuit, while AND gate 60.37 would indicate the AND gate in the 37th time selection circuit. An additional set of three IO-position switches 55, 57 and 59 are provided with their fixed contacts connected to the outputs from dividing circuits 42, 46 and 50 respectively and the moving contacts connected as inputs to AND gate 61, the output of which is connected to reset dividing circuits 42, 46 and 50. Switches 55, 57 and 59 determine the length of the traffic control cycle at the intersections on street intersection simulator 10.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a switching module suitable for use as one of the switching modules 34 of FIGS. 4 and 5 in conjunction with this embodiment of the present invention. As there depicted, l0, -position switches 36 are provided on the module 34 to permit control of the associated traffic control indicator in accordance with any one of 20 cycles. Each switch 36 preferably also includes an OFF position. The moving contact of each switch 36 is tied to the first terminal of an uniquely associated indicator 64 which is one of the traffic control indicators on street intersection simulator 10. Each indicator 64 has its second terminal tied to a source of alternating voltage 66 which by way of example may be a 5 volt source and could include a full wave rectifier if desired. The second side of source 66 is tied to ground. The first fixed contact of each of 10 switches 36 is connected to line 68.1. In like manner the second terminal of each of the 10 switches 36 is tied to line 68.2, the third fixed contact of each of the switches 36 is tied to line 68.3, etc.

FIG. 8 depicts a switch activation circuit 74. If the switches 36 are each 20 position switches as in FIG. 7, then 20 switch activation circuits 74 are provided. Circuit 74 includes six input terminals 76 through 86. Input terminal 76 is tied to the set input of a memory circuit such as an SCR memory or, as depicted in FIG. 8, a bistable multivibrator or flip-flop 88. Input terminal 78 is tied to the set input of flip-flop 90 and to the reset input of flip-flop 88. Input terminal 80 is tied to one input of OR gate 91 which has its output tied to the set input of flip-flop 92 and to the reset input of flipflop 90. Input terminal 82 is tied to the set input of flipflop 94 and to the second input of OR gate 91. Input terminal 84 is tied to the set input of flip-flop 96 and to the reset input of flip-flop 94. Input terminal 86 is tied to one input of OR gate 97 the output of which is tied to the set input of flip-flop 98 and to the reset input of flip-flop 96. Input terminal 76 is also connected to the second input of OR gate 97. The set out-put of each flip-flop 88 through 98 is tied to the gate of an uniquely associated silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) 100 through 110. The cathode of each SCR 100 through is tied to ground, while the anode of each SCR is connected to an uniquely associated line 68 from the switching modules 34 of FIG. 7.

Each of the twenty circuits 74 is associated with a particular switch position for each row of switching modules 34 as those modules 34 are laid out in the manner depicted in FIG. 4. The anode of the SCR 100 of each circuit 74 is connected to its associated line 68 and thus to the corresponding position of each of the 200 switches 36 on the vertical street green timing switch modules 34. Likewise, the anode of the second SCR 102 is tied to its associated line 68 on each of the vertical street yellow timing switch modules 34; the anode of SCR 104 on each of the circuits 74 is tied to its associated line 68 on each of the vertical street red timing switch modules 34; the anode of the SCR 106 on each circuit 74 is tied to its associated line 68 on each of the horizontal street green timing switch modules 34; the anode of the SCR 108 in each circuit 74 is tied to its associated line 68 on each of the horizontal street yellow timing switch modules 34; and the anode of the SCR 110 in each circuit 74 is tied to its associated line 68 on each of the horizontal street red timing switch modules 34.

Input terminals 76, 78, 82, and 84 of each circuit 74 are connected to uniquely associated outputs 62 from AND gates 60. Accordingly, the time at which each flip-flop within the 20 circuits 74 changes state is determined by the settings of its associated switches 54, 56 and 58. Thus, by way of example, the circuit 74.1 associated with the switch position ONE of each switch 36 can have its inputs 76.1, 78.1, 82.1, and 84.1 connected respectively to the outputs 62.1, 62.2, 62.3 and 62.4 of the first four AND gates 60.1 60.4 of FIG. 6. The switches 54.1, 56.1 and 58.1 associated with the first AND gate 60.1 can be set to time ZERO so that flip-flops 88 and 98 within the first circuit 74.1 are set at time ZERO, thereby activating SCRs 100 and 110 within circuit 74.1 to provide via line 68.1 VG, associated with the first position of each switch 36 on each vertical street green timing switch modules 34, a ground on the switch position ONE contact of each switch 36 on every vertical street green timing switch module 34 and via line 68.1 I-IR, associated with the first switch position of each switch 36 on each horizontal street red timing switch module 34, a ground on the switch position ONE contact of each switch 36 on every horizontal street red timing switch module 34. In like manner the switches 54.2, 56.2, and 58.2 associated with AND gate 60.2 can be set for example to a time thirty seconds after time ZERO so that at that time flip-flop 90 is set and flip-flop 88 is reset, removing ground from the vertical street green line 68.1 and providing ground on the vertical street yellow line 68.1. If then switches 54.3, 56.3, and 58.3 are set for example to a time 38 seconds after time ZERO, then at that time flip-flops 92 and 94 are set and flip-flop 98 is reset,

thereby providing ground on the vertical street red line 68.1 and on the horizontal street green line 68.1 and removing ground from the horizontal street red line 68.1. The time during which ground is available to the several contacts of the switches 36 is thus determined by the settings of the switches 54, 56, and 58.

Each two street intersection has six switches 36 associated with it and these six switches are placed in the same position for each intersection. The apparatus is thus capable of providing at a given intersection any of 20 traffic cycles, and the duration of each traffic interval within a particular cycle is determined by the settings of the associated switches 54, 56, and 58. Accordingly, street intersection simulator is capable of providing numerous traffic control conditions.

The timing and switching circuitry of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 permit much flexibility. Thus, for example, if desired, input terminals 80 and 86 of some or all of the circuits 74 can be connected to outputs of associated AND gates 60 to permit energization of red traffic intervals at times determined by associated switches 54, 56, and 58. This would permit the provision of all red traffic intervals at an intersection and in addition would be useful at those intersections including diagonal streets. If desired, to simulate an actuated or semiactuated traffie controller, various ones of the circuits 74 can have their input terminals 78 and 84 connected to a pushbutton to energize the associated yellow traffic interval and to commence a time delay after which the red traffic interval and conflicting green traffic interval are energized. If it is desired to control right-of-way indicators within an area by means of a computer, as suggested by timing circuitry or computer 30 of FIG. 1, the computer outputs can be gated to the appropriate inputs for circuits 74, thereby permitting check out of the computer program on street intersection simulator 10 prior to its implementation of the actual street system. To ensure that noise does not trigger one of the flipflops and result in conflicting indications, the outputs of flip-flops 88 and 94 can be gated to the various flipflop inputs to hold appropriate flip-flop conditions.

Utilizing the present invention the effect of different traffic engineering patterns on traffic flow can be determined by setting the six switches 36 associated with each of the 200 intersections of street intersection simulator 10 to the desired position and then observing the sequencing of the right-of-way indicators on the street intersection simulator. The time between initiation of right-of-way at consecutive intersections can be observed and measured, for example, with a stop watch or a digital clock associated with shaping and dividing circuit 40, and by sealing the timing in accordance with the actual distance between adjacent intersections in the actual street intersection system under consideration, traffic flow patterns can be determined at various desired speeds, and computer programs can be evalu ated. If desired, shaping and dividing circuit 40 can be adjusted so that in addition to its real time output of 1 pulse per second, it can provide a faster output of, for example, 10 pulses per second, so that the effects of various traffic control programs can be rapidly determined, and a slower output or no output so that details of a traffic pattern can be studied at length. Additionally, if desired some of the flip-flops in the twenty circuits 74 of FIG. 8 can be set by either of a plurality of inputs from the AND gates 60 with the result that some intersections go through two or more cycles while other intersections go through a single cycle, of a duration determined by the settings of switches 55.57 and 59. The present invention can thus be utilized both to analyze traffic control patterns prior to their implementation on an actual street intersection system and to teach traffic engineering fundamentals.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and rearrangements could be made and still the result would be within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A traffic pattern simulator comprising a. a plurality of street intersection simulator modules each having depicted thereon x streets laid out in a first direction and y streets laid out in a second direction substantially at right angles to the first direction to form xy simulated street intersections, and traffic control indicators at each of said simulated street intersections to provide traffic control indications for each street at each of said simulated street intersections;

b. timing means having a plurality of outputs each providing a traffic interval signal at a preselected time; and

c. a plurality of switching modules each including a plurality of switches, each switch associated with a unique one of said traffic control indicators, each switch capable of selectively assuming any of a plurality of positions equal in number to said plurality of timing means outputs for selectively coupling said traffic control indicators to said timing means outputs to receive a traffic interval signal therefrom.

2. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 including at each of said simulated street intersections a right-of-way indicator, a clearance indicator and a stop indicator for the first direction street and a rightof-way indicator, a clearance indicator and a stop indicator for the second direction street and in which said switching modules include 6xy switches.

3. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a frame for supporting in a substantially vertical plane said plurality of street intersection simulator modules substantially in horizontal alignment.

4. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 in which the timing means comprises clock means for generating timing pulses and a plurality of pulse selection means equal in number to the plurality of timing means outputs, each pulse selection means providing a traffic interval signal upon generation of a preselected one of the timing pulses.

5. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 in which the timing means comprises computer means for generating timing pulses and a plurality of pulse selection means equal in number to the plurality of timing means outputs, each pulse selection means providing a traffic interval signal upon generation of a preselected one of the timing pulses.

6. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 in which at least one of the street intersection simulator modules has additionally depicted thereon streets laid out diagonal to the first direction and the second direction and intersecting streets in the first direction and in the second direction at some of the simulated street intersections.

7. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 3 in which said first direction streets are substantially vertical and said second direction streets are substantially horizontal.

8. A traffic pattern simulator comprising:

a. a street intersection simulator having depicted thereon a plurality of simulated streets laid out in a first direction and a plurality of simulated streets laid out in a second direction and intersecting the first direction simulated streets to form a plurality of simulated street intersections, and traffic control indicators at at least some of said simulated street intersections to provide traffic control indications for each simulated street at each of said at least some simulated street intersections;

b. timing means having a plurality of outputs each providing a traffic interval signal at a preselected time; and

c. a plurality of switches, each switch associated with a unique one of said traffic control indicators, each switch capable of selectively assuming any of a plurality of positions equal in number to said plurality of timing means outputs for selectively coupling said traffic control indicators to said timing means outputs to receive a traffic interval signal therefrom.

9. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 8 in which the switches are provided on a plurality of switching modules equal in number to the number of simulated street intersections.

10. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 8 in which each of at least some of said traffic control indicators includes a right-of-way indicator, a clearance indicator and a stop indicator for the first direction street and a right-of-way indicator, a clearance indicator, and a stop indicator for the second direction street and in which said plurality of switches includes switches for controlling each of said indicators.

11. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 10 in which said plurality of switches includes six switches for each of said at least some simulated street intersections.

12. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 7 in which said street intersection simulator has depicted thereon at least one street laid out at an angle to the first direction and the second direction and intersecting at least one of said at least some simulated street intersections. 

1. A traffic pattern simulator comprising a. a plurality of street intersection simulator modules each having depicted thereon x streets laid out in a first direction and y streets laid out in a second direction substantially at right angles to the first direction to form xy simulated street intersections, and traffic control indicators at each of said simulated street intersections to provide traffic control indications for each street at each of said simulated street intersections; b. timing means having a plurality of outputs each providing a traffic interval signal at a preselected time; and c. a plurality of switching modules each iNcluding a plurality of switches, each switch associated with a unique one of said traffic control indicators, each switch capable of selectively assuming any of a plurality of positions equal in number to said plurality of timing means outputs for selectively coupling said traffic control indicators to said timing means outputs to receive a traffic interval signal therefrom.
 2. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 including at each of said simulated street intersections a right-of-way indicator, a clearance indicator and a stop indicator for the first direction street and a right-of-way indicator, a clearance indicator and a stop indicator for the second direction street and in which said switching modules include 6xy switches.
 3. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a frame for supporting in a substantially vertical plane said plurality of street intersection simulator modules substantially in horizontal alignment.
 4. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 in which the timing means comprises clock means for generating timing pulses and a plurality of pulse selection means equal in number to the plurality of timing means outputs, each pulse selection means providing a traffic interval signal upon generation of a preselected one of the timing pulses.
 5. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 in which the timing means comprises computer means for generating timing pulses and a plurality of pulse selection means equal in number to the plurality of timing means outputs, each pulse selection means providing a traffic interval signal upon generation of a preselected one of the timing pulses.
 6. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 1 in which at least one of the street intersection simulator modules has additionally depicted thereon streets laid out diagonal to the first direction and the second direction and intersecting streets in the first direction and in the second direction at some of the simulated street intersections.
 7. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 3 in which said first direction streets are substantially vertical and said second direction streets are substantially horizontal.
 8. A traffic pattern simulator comprising: a. a street intersection simulator having depicted thereon a plurality of simulated streets laid out in a first direction and a plurality of simulated streets laid out in a second direction and intersecting the first direction simulated streets to form a plurality of simulated street intersections, and traffic control indicators at at least some of said simulated street intersections to provide traffic control indications for each simulated street at each of said at least some simulated street intersections; b. timing means having a plurality of outputs each providing a traffic interval signal at a preselected time; and c. a plurality of switches, each switch associated with a unique one of said traffic control indicators, each switch capable of selectively assuming any of a plurality of positions equal in number to said plurality of timing means outputs for selectively coupling said traffic control indicators to said timing means outputs to receive a traffic interval signal therefrom.
 9. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 8 in which the switches are provided on a plurality of switching modules equal in number to the number of simulated street intersections.
 10. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 8 in which each of at least some of said traffic control indicators includes a right-of-way indicator, a clearance indicator and a stop indicator for the first direction street and a right-of-way indicator, a clearance indicator, and a stop indicator for the second direction street and in which said plurality of switches includes switches for controlling each of said indicators.
 11. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 10 in which said plurality of switches includes six switches for each of said aT least some simulated street intersections.
 12. A traffic pattern simulator as claimed in claim 7 in which said street intersection simulator has depicted thereon at least one street laid out at an angle to the first direction and the second direction and intersecting at least one of said at least some simulated street intersections. 